Google Finally Enables Secure Digital IDs for Android - Here's What it Means

Android has taken a big step forward in digital identity. With its Credential Manager’s DigitalCredential API, Android now supports two major open standards — OpenID4VP and OpenID4VCI. These allow users to safely present and receive digital credentials.

But what exactly are digital credentials? They are secure, verifiable documents like digital versions of passports, driver’s licenses, and student IDs. Over time, users may also use them for things like insurance cards, memberships, or certifications.

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Digital credentials can be stored in apps like Google Wallet or Samsung Wallet. However, other apps — like an airline app — can also issue or use these credentials. For example, you might show your frequent flyer status using a digital credential.

When users want to present a credential, they simply choose one from any wallet app on their device. Android handles the rest. It securely connects with the app that holds the chosen credential and sends it to the requester.

Issuing new credentials is just as easy. Apps can request to store them in any digital wallet the user prefers.

Already, companies like Amazon, CVS, and Uber are getting ready to use digital credentials. With support from Samsung Wallet and 1Password, the future of digital ID on Android is looking secure, seamless, and widely accessible.